Why second XP activation when no hardware changed ?

Hi guys, Tried to format a cd with InCD, no joy, tried to install InCDReader by mistake, told to install newer InCD, shut computer down for the night.
Next day on booting told windows has recovered from a serious error and on sending the report was told InCD may be the cause and to load new version.
Uninstalled and loaded new...same problem plus windows is asking me to reactivate windows within 3 days due to hardware changes but I have made none since building the computer last year.
Uninstalled InCD and no more problems but what was the activation thing all about ?
Dont know much about viruses/trojans but could this be one ?

 

I'm replying to my own post here but from looking at related posts, it seems the software problem is coincidental and the real culprit may be the external USB HD I have been using recently.
Anybody know of this problem or how to fix it ?

 

Hello stiggler,

Can't answer your question as to what triggered WPA http://aumha.org/win5/a/wpa.php but I really don't think it was malware.

Regards - Charles

 

how is ext usb drive setup? i've yet to see adding one trigger a re-activation but ... i suppose it's possible. i've got a few of them and have never seen this

and u should just re-activate if that's the issue.

 

Thanks for the replies guys... The HD was formatted with NTFS but has no OS just backup folders (not an image).
I dont even know if it is the cause... I just saw another thread about a similar occurrance and put 2 and 2 together.
Reactivate it is then.... I dont really see it as a problem unless there is a finite number of times you can reactivate.

 

Roxio InCD

As I recall, Roxio InCD has really been a problem since WinXP came out. The 'drag-to-disc' function was designed to replace the InCD piece of Roxio's studio. There are also known Roxio - Nero compatibility problems during the InCD period.

My advice is to get rid of this InCD software and go some other way.

Good Luck
Top Dog

 

that's a good point. i'm fairly sure that nero's default install now opts out of incd unless u overide it.